Gators Prepare for Tough Opener vs. LIU's Dual-Threat QB Greenwood!

Gators Prepare for Tough Opener vs. LIU's Dual-Threat QB Greenwood!

As the sun sets over Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, excitement is brewing ahead of the Florida Gators‘ season opener against Long Island University (LIU) on Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Gators enter the matchup as heavy favorites, but they’ll need to keep an eye on LIU’s redshirt junior quarterback, Ethan Greenwood. This dual-threat player has shown promise throughout his college career and is one to watch closely as he comes into this contest with the drive and agility to surprise any defense.

Hailing from Baldwin, N.Y., Greenwood made his mark at Kellenberg Memorial High School, excelling in both football and basketball. His high school highlight reel includes a blazing 4.62-second 40-yard dash. After beginning his collegiate journey at The Citadel in 2022, where he did not see any game action, Greenwood found his stride at LIU. Since taking over as the starting quarterback midway through the 2024 season, he has transformed the Sharks‘ program, elevating their performance from a tough 0-6 start to a respectable 4-8 finish.

Remarkable Performance and Growth

In his first full season, Greenwood distinguished himself as one of the top rushing quarterbacks in FCS football, racking up 912 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He also displayed his passing capabilities with 921 yards and six touchdowns, achieving a completion rate of 52.3%. Among his standout games, he recorded 184 rushing yards against Stonehill and 222 passing yards against Robert Morris, crucial performances that solidified his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback.

Recognizing his potential, the Northeast Conference honored Greenwood with Second-Team All-NEC status and named him a Stats Perform FCS Third-Team All-American. His impressive showing on the field has earned him preseason accolades, including a spot on the Second-Team All-American list and the Walter Payton Award watch list for 2025. Clearly, there’s something to be said for his adaptability and resilience.

Preparing for the Challenge

Florida coach Billy Napier has taken note of Greenwood’s skills, praising LIU’s effort and rugged gameplay. As the Gators prepare for this confrontation, they are well aware of the potential challenges Greenwood poses. The Sharks have tailored their offensive strategy around him, utilizing various formations that leverage his speed and ability to escape pressure, a tactic reminiscent of NFL great Kordell Stewart.

Greenwood aims to tackle the daunting atmosphere at The Swamp with courage and determination. With crowd noise expected to be a factor, LIU coach Ron Cooper has proactively prepared his team through practices that mimic the sounds they’ll face at the stadium. It’s all part of Greenwood’s goal: to navigate through a challenging environment without fear and make each play count.

All eyes will be on this matchup, as the Gators look to start their season strong while Greenwood tries to prove his mettle against one of college football’s elite programs. Whether he can keep LIU competitive is yet to be seen, but his journey so far showcases a player willing to face any obstacle. Game day is almost here, and anticipation is palpable.